100 years of the TA marked by Tattoo

Jun 7 2008 by Jule Wilson, The Journal

A HUGE military spectacular for the North East to celebrate 100 years of the Territorial Army was launched yesterday.

Hundreds of the region’s soldiers from the TA, army cadets, military bandsmen, veterans and historical re-enactors will bring 100 years of history to life during the Durham Military Tattoo, to be held on Palace Green in September.

Amid explosions and roars of military vehicles, the audience on September 6 will see scenes from the First World War up to the present day, where TA soldiers from the North East serve alongside their regular counterparts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Yesterday the event was launched at the venue. Sir John Riddle, the president of the North of England Reserve Forces and Cadets Association and Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Northumberland, said: “This is a unique chance to see how the Territorial Army has evolved through the years and enjoy Durham’s first military tattoo.

“The Territorial Army is very much a part of the community in which they live. They are employed locally, their families live in the area and their children go to local schools. However, they also have a military career where they gain skills to bring back to the community and also use their existing skills for the benefit of the military.

“The Tattoo will be run twice – a preview for the soldiers and their families in the afternoon, starting at 2.15pm, and will be followed by a second performance in the evening for the public at 8.15pm.

“We do hope that people will come and not only support us but help us celebrate the Territorial Army’s 100th birthday in style.” Seats for the two performances are available by buying a special souvenir programme at the Tourist Information Centre at 2 Millennium Place, Durham, or by calling (0191) 384-7641.

Programmes will be issued on July 1 priced at £5 each and priority will be given to military personnel and their families, though a limited number of seats will be available to the public. The evening performance programmes are £10 each and are available to the public.